Liverpool are reportedly considering a move to sign Leicester City winger and Arsenal target Riyad Mahrez as Philippe Coutinho nears a transfer to Barcelona.

According to the Independent, Liverpool are still fighting to keep hold of the Brazilian attacker, but face a struggle to do so as they plan for life without him for the second half of the season.

Coutinho would prove a tough act to follow at Anfield, having established himself as one of Europe’s top attacking midfielders, but it seems the Reds have some exciting targets in mind.

Monaco’s Thomas Lemar is their first choice, but Mahrez is also being considered as a decent backup option, so claim the Independent.

Le Buteur recently linked the Algeria international with interest from Arsenal, but it could be that Liverpool would now urgently look to beat their rivals to his signature to fill that void in their attack.

Riyad Mahrez looks set to be a transfer target for Liverpool and Arsenal this January